JohnBoy5562 Loc: Alabama

I’m new at taking photos in manual and I’ve think I’ve learned a lot. But still new at my Nikon D7100. I’ve downloaded lots of app and looked at videos on YouTube and ran across two app I haven’t used yet and was wondering which of these two app will give me the most benefit. So if anyone uses these app would they recommend them? I have a iPhone and iPad.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-photographers-ephemeris/id366195670?mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photopills/id596026805?mt=8

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

It depends on what each do and what you need.
I have TPE on my computers and cell phone, using it a lot!
Never investigated photopills, don't need to either.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use TPE quite a lot. It's a great tool in assessing the best time frame to photograph at a particular location.
--Bob

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Not trying to complicate things but another app I have been using is PlanIt ( http://www.yingwentech.com/) . It does pretty much everything you want and then some. There is a fairly steep learning curve to fully utilize it but the basics are pretty easy to get the hang of. I have never really used TPE so can't give you a point by point comparison. Seemed very similar though.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

TPE is extremely simple. Shows the moon also.

JohnBoy5562 Loc: Alabama

Thanks for the replies. All three looks good. I just need to pick one. Thanks

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Eenie, meeney, miney, Moe.....

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I understand that. Planit shows any celestial body you can think of with rise time, transit (all the astro buzzwords like azimuth, elevation, minimum focal length needed) and will show an approximation of the horizon at that time based on GPS coordinates. It is integrated with Google so streetview is also available and can show the view in the direction you face (as long as there is a street view for the location) date time scrolling to show location of sun or moon as it progresses through the day. Specific ephemeris features for sun, moon, tide height, weather, even rainbow position ! You can set a photography plan wiith location markers as well as alarms to let you know you need to move to your next spot.

There is a very complete documentation set as well as online videos accessible from your device with a data connection out in the field. Check out one of the videos. I wish I were able to remember all the ways to use it but I have found what I need so I don't explore many additional functions regularly. I usually don't get excited about phone apps but this one I really like (and I am NOT connected with the developer or company in any way) .

Check it out, I was really impressed with what it can do and rely on it for location shooting of specific sky features - not just at night ! (and I am NOT connected with the developer or company in any way) . The only thing I don't care for is that Google gets to know where I am. But since I have history turned off, it just minimal info retained.

My only caveat is for the newbie to play with it for a while before your shoot so moving around in it is quicker - but I would suggest that for any app - even TPE.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Someday. Interesting that it is more versatile than what I need to use. Where the sun & moon are at a certain time (range) for a geographic point and day are all I need.
I have a tidal app on my phone too.
(Many apps I have do more than I need. )

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

...and as you and I both know - ya stick with what works for you! I have never heard anything bad about TPE. Thats saying a LOT.

Just want to help make people aware of things that could be helpful.

ggenova64

I recommend using both Apps: The Photographer's Ephemeris and PhotoPills.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

What does one do that the other does not?

ggenova64

I mostly use PhotoPills for tracking the Moon.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

TPE tracks the moon also.

tomad Loc: North Carolina

I tried both and found PhotoPills easier to learn and use.